Are miniDV tapes reusable?

Question

Can I record on a miniDV tape, load it to my pc, delete the content of the tape, then record again? over and over? Or must I keep buying new tapes?

Answer 1

They are reuseable. But I wouldn't use them over and over again. I'm not sure how many times you can use them.

Answer 2

RE-recordable ... YES.

The quality will always be the same because it's digital, but you might start to find slight glitches and dropped frames if the tape deteriorates with reuse.

Answer 3

They're reusable, just like a VHS or music cassette.

Answer 4

NOT TRUE. Please ignore the people saying they're totally reusable. Technically you can reuse the tapes, but after the first use, you'll start getting dropped frames and other problems. I live/work in Hollywood and nobody would EVER reuse a tape because the chance that a few seconds get messed up is just too high. Also a college film program we help out actually marks the kids' grades down if they ever reuse tapes.

So here's 2 rules for you.

- Do NOT reuse tapes unless you absolutely have to.

- Do NOT mix and match tape brands in your camera, as it will gunk up the tape heads and your camera will stop working. By this I mean do not put a Sony tape in it now, use a Panasonic tape next week, and use a TDK tape the week after that. Find one tape brand and stick to it, or you're going to mess up your camera.